- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price
$106
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
3 h 47 m
Average duration
3 h 49 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
283 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Reading will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
Of the 2 trains that leave Preston for Reading on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 283 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 47 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 3 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $74. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, and a flight costs an average of $91.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$129 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $160 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 45m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Reading:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Reading costing on average $129 (€105).
A bus is $79 (€64) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Reading costing on average $160 (€130).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 27m.
Bus takes on average 8h 15m.
You'll arrive about 21m sooner (3h 27m by train vs 3h 48m by car). Tickets start at around $129 (€105) compared to roughly $74 (€60) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:17 AM Preston | 4h19 | 12:36 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Preston | 4h12 | 1:12 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:19 AM Preston | 3h50 | 1:09 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Preston | 4h12 | 2:12 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 10:18 AM Preston | 4h23 | 2:41 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Preston | 4h11 | 3:11 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 11:18 AM Preston | 3h48 | 3:06 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:01 PM Preston | 4h09 | 4:10 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 12:18 PM Preston | 4h22 | 4:40 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Preston | 3h57 | 4:57 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 1:17 PM Preston | 3h57 | 5:14 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:00 PM Preston | 4h04 | 6:04 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 2:19 PM Preston | 4h22 | 6:41 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Preston | 4h04 | 7:04 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 3:18 PM Preston | 3h47 | 7:05 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Preston | 4h10 | 8:10 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 4:18 PM Preston | 3h50 | 8:08 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:59 PM Preston | 4h12 | 9:11 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 5:18 PM Preston | 4h21 | 9:39 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Preston | 4h10 | 10:10 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 6:18 PM Preston | 4h20 | 10:38 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:07 PM Preston | 4h03 | 11:10 PM Reading | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 7:18 PM Preston | 4h20 | 11:38 PM Reading | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 7:18 AM Preston | 3h47 | 11:05 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Preston to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $106 (€86) but you can travel from only $74 (€60) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 3h 47m.
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€86) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 2:24 AM |
Last train 9:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Broad Street, Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Reading by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Reading trains use the Preston to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Preston and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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